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David Beckham has already paid back his #16.5million Major League Soccer contract just two months after arriving in the United States.

The LA Galaxy star's move has sparked a huge surge in ticket sales, merchandising revenues and television coverage, despite him featuring in just four competitive games.

Mls chiefs have been thrilled by the dramatic boost in income which has already covered his entire five-year deal.

Beckham can rake in extra millions as part of profit-sharing schemes based on increased revenues relating to his image, but there is now no way MLS can make a loss.

Beckham's No.23 Galaxy jersey is the top-selling sports shirt with the giant Sports Authority chain, outstripping the leading replica kits from basketball and American football.

Even the Galaxy's shirt sponsors Herbalife have cashed in, attributing a large part of their record secondquarter profits to an increase in exposure thanks to the England star.

Marc de Grandpre, managing director of the New York Red Bulls club that also tried to sign Beckham, said: "He represents an extraordinary worldwide brand.

"His arrival in the States is unparalleled to any other foreign athlete in the US, regardless of sport."

Butwhile the money men are rubbing their hands, the strain is beginning to tell on Beckham's body.

He has not travelled to Denver for today's game against the Colorado Rapids after suffering from fatigue.

And doctors fear the England star's transatlantic commuting will leave him prone to injury.

Former GB Olympic team medic, Dr Roslyn Carbon, a specialist at Pure Sports Medicine, told People Sport: "If you fly somewhere that is eight hours away you are not going to be at your peak for a few days.

"You're going to be less strong, less flexible and less alert, which is going to increase the risk of injury.

"I can't imagine he can fulfil his schedule and remain in optimum physical condition."

Yet Beckham will not cut his England commitments and is desperate to help Steve McClaren's men reach Euro 2008.

He said:"We can't afford not to qualify and it is unthinkable that a nation like ours, with the players we have in the team, is struggling to qualify.

"We have to make Wembley a horrible place for people to come and play. The fans don't need a message from me, but they can help because they know how to support us as players and the team."

Beckham is just three caps from the magic 100 but realises if England don't win their next two games it could be the end of his dream.

He said: "It would mean the world to me to get to those 100 caps but if we lose these games and we don't qualify there is going to be disappointment.

"That's why it's vital we all prepare well in the next two weeks and stay away from more injuries."